Study sheds light on 2009 H1N1 influenza infections
University of Florida infectious disease experts have released a study revealing that several pigs exhibited at U.S. state fair competitions in 2009 were infected with influenza virus, despite their healthy appearance.
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More H3N2 influenza cases surface
As of the end of last week 159 people in nine states had been identified with H3N2 influenza virus infections this year. Most of the recent cases have occurred after contact with pigs at county or state fairs.
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Dangers of drought: mycotoxins and nitrates
The drought of 2012 has decimated crops and put livestock producers in jeopardy due to rapidly escalating feed costs. But the problem may likely lead to another hurdle producers may face once the harvest is in the bin: mycotoxins and nitrates.
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Company ready to produce H3N2v swine vaccine
Monitoring of the H3N2 influenza virus in swine has increased since pigs tested positive for the virus at the Butler County Fair in Ohio earlier this summer. With 15 new human cases of H3N2 variant flu confirmed recently, Harrisvaccines is ready to produce a swine vaccine against the strain if necessary, according to a company news release.
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Increased surveillance identifies more H3N2 cases
Health officials in both Indiana and Ohio have reported an increase in diagnosed H3N2 influenza cases within the past week. These cases come on the heels of significantly expanded surveillance, which the officials point to as the reason for the increase.
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Consumers need more information on antibiotic use
More effort must be focused on consumer education regarding antibiotic use in livestock and poultry. The effort must include information on how antibiotics are used appropriately, according to Jeff Bender, DVM, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
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PRRS vaccine now available in 100-dose vial
Swine veterinarians and producers can use fewer bottles of Ingelvac PRRS MLV to vaccinate their pigs and breeding herds against porcine reproductive and respiratory (PRRS) virus with the availability of a new 100-dose vial.
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H3N2 raises watchful eye, not red flags
With many county and state fairs underway, human and animal health officials are closely monitoring the prospects of H3N2 influenza virus exposure between swine and humans. As of the Aug. 3, 29 people had been identified with the virus since July 2011. Twenty-three individuals reported contact with swine prior to the onset of illness, 19 cases were associated with fairs.
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Q&A on new meat residue testing
Dale Moore, DVM, MPVM, PhD, Washington State University, discusses the new Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) sampling strategies for residue testing in meat, poultry and eggs and a restructuring of the National Residue Program that will become effective this week.
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Emerging Transboundary Animal Diseases Workshop, Sept. 17-19
Early registration for Emerging Transboundary Animal Diseases Workshop to be held in Ames, Iowa, ends August 10.
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NPB offers new ‘We Care’ posters
New this summer from the National Pork Board’s ‘We Care’ initiative is a series of six, laminated, full-color posters that emphasize the cornerstones of the program. The posters are ideal for displaying in barns, work areas or lunchrooms.
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